Sunday, February 21, 2010

Lots of nice, fast sailing over the last few days. Now only 250nm until we pass under the Cape of Good Hope!

Ella's Pink Lady has been surfing off down the waves, keeping up a great pace in 25 knots of wind. Despite the wet drizzly conditions (see pics below), I've been spending a lot of time on deck watching us fly along.

I decided to give Parker a bit of time off yesterday and spent quite a bit of time hand steering which I really enjoyed. I still get a kick out of feeling us take off down a wave and I don't think watching the waves and birds will ever get boring!

Hi Jess,As you now near the Cape of Good Hope another song , No 5 in the series : a little bit of South American, a little bit of African and a little bit of home : www.youtube.com/watch?v=PpYlLQl6zwI

'Rounding The Cape oF South Africa'

Down below Africa she sailsFour months at sea And her strength prevailsGood Hope and our wishes she holdsAs she sailsMother Nature unfoldsShe's rounding the Cape of South AfricaShe's rounding the Cape of South AfricaNow as the Indian tosses and foamsThe great Southern land calls her homeNow as the Indian tosses and foamsThe great Southern land calls her homeShe's rounding the Cape of South AfricaShe's rounding the Cape of South AfricaShe's rounding the Cape of South AfricaShe's rounding the Cape of South Africa

Hey there Jess, I hope you're well.Great to hear from you and that you've progressed very well over the last few days. I'm hoping your drizzly conditions step up a notch so you're at least able to top up your tanks a bit. Sounds like you had a great time steering and surfing those waves. I hope you didn't get too much back seat driving from Parker although it wouldn't surprise me because he's been doing such a good job and probably felt a little out of sorts when you decided to give him some time off. In a couple of days (+/-) you'll be ticking off yet another milestone from this great voyage of yours so I hope you continue to get the very conditions you most enjoy to remember it by. Take good care of yourself, stay safe and bye for now...Aunty Sam XX :-))

Hi JessicaPlease may we borrow your blog to pass on our message of condolence to Jo.Dear Jo from Malaika,What a tragic story, and thank you for sharing it with us via Jessica’s blog. We just can’t think how strong and brave you must be to come out and publicly tell your story. Life is not fair sometimes, to enter on this wonderful venture to circumnavigate the world as a family, something very very special, and for it to end like that is just not the way it should be.Our hearts go out to you both, and we hope you find comfort in following Jessica in her quest, as we know Ali would.

fast sailing is just like fast driving. As well as you didn't much fast driving in your life (I suppose) I didn't do any fast sailing yet!

But I know it's exciting to cruise along some empty country roads at 2 a.m. and give the engine a kickoff!

As I look at your fotos again it comes to my mind how empty it is down there on the high sea. Thank god the waves change their appearing to give you some variety.

I wonder what a 16yr.old may think about during 2 hours on the tiller?? Maybe the mind is drifting off and far away...

Maybe make up aome plans for the future?!

Underway I've done a little advertising on your attempt. People start to come up with the question "how's Jessica doing?" on regular schedule now. I showed my guests a little yacht-model I manucfactured in my teenage days.

So Jessica: beat it, sail on like you did before, don't let the empty ocean get on your nerves. Six crew-members wanna see you smile!

Thanks for the update Jess, and the great pics - not too many have been fortunate enough to see that part of the ocean, I'll bet. Looks like the cape will be tomorrow sometime what an achievement - then homeward bound.Looking forward to more updates.Jan & John from Wooroloo WA

Good to see your making good time and distance, once you pass under the Cape you will be on the home straight.Time does flying when your having fun Jess.Your going great guns keep up the great sailing.

Hey Jess,Nice going, you and Ella are really flying along. Nice pics too, thanks. I hope Parker doesn't get too used to the time off. Not long to go and you will have passed the Cape of Good Hope and really be heading back Down Under.Sail on,NickSydney

Jessica,I'm a school teacher in Texas. I teach 12 and 13 year old children; many of them live in true poverty. I tell them of your progress. Many of them tell me that they are amazed that you would be so brave. I think you inspire the children. You inspire me. Thanks for the good example for them.Eric Christensen

Oh, so close to the second Cape... that's so exciting! :-) Besides, we should be in the same time zone now (UTC+1). ;-)Love these pics of EPL flying along - almost makes me feel the wind and spray on my face.Again, all the best for you and Ella's Pink Lady (plus your excellent crew)!

Hi Jesse Glad you are making some fast progress now towards the Cape.Did you see that great big green catamaran that was around in your bit of the ocean? All the best for the homeward run.I can't believe I have been following this wonderful blog for four months! Thanks so much - it's been a revelation.Rosemary

Hi JessicaIt's great you having some fantastic sailing condition Jesse. Just don't you love it when your yacht is powering through the waves under it's own power, no smelly fumes and feeling the movement through the helm, one of lives magic moments.Maybe only 2 more days from the Indian Ocean, another milestone coming up.So what are temperatures at the moment. The water would be feeling a little chilly by now, not to many salt water bucket baths anymore.Watching the waves is a bit like sitting around the camp fire, watching the flames and wood burning down, one of lifes simple pleasures, not that yours is simple, far from it.So keep having fun and KEEP SAFE.Cheers George SimmonsExmouth WA Australia

I'm sure some folks don't know how easy it is to download a 'keyhole markup overlay' of your progress on Google Earth to track your progress.

If you don't have Google Earth get it (google it of coarse). Then you download the file at:

http://tontodigital.com.au/jw-yr.kmz

and load it into Google Earth. Voila! Jessica's progress will update on your own globe, plus you can explore islands she passes near and make sense of the lat/lon coordinates she calls out, measure miles to various places yourself, etc.

It'll ask if you want to save it to 'My Places' on closure and if you do - it will be there next time you bring up Google Earth - and it will automatically update!

Loved the pics and the upbeat post - you are one that appreciates forward progress I can tell.

Hi Jess,I've only just caught up with you again after a couple of weeks off; your technical issues combined with heavy weeks at work and family commitments for me, so we timed it well!Amazing to read a few blogs at once; your sunnny demeanour and true joy in what you are doing just launches itself off the screen.Glad to be back in touch. Love the photos of the crew on deck! Was a bit concerened they weren't wearing life jackets or harnesses but skipper knows best!Stay well kid!(I reckon you might have to go around again when you're finished...otherwise what will we all do with ourselves!)Love Mel

great to see Jess. I am still thinking of those early sailors seeing the same seas you are seeing (a little bit of alliteration never goes astray). Think of the First Fleet, they would have followed this same line.

Wahoo Captain Jesse! Wind and fun!Thank you for the post, CoGH rounding could be for Monday, at such a speed!It is great seeing you in a cheerful mood. Good Ol' Parker sure deserves his day off, I suppose he went downstairs to drink o good bottle of rum with the fluffy scallywags.Nice pics again! We can well see how Ella's Pink Lady is hurrying downwind, and almost feel the breeze.Your last days in Atlantic, Wonder Sailor!How exciting!No dolphins in the area?Fair surfing, gorgeous Ladies!

Huh,what a joke. No comments yet ?My clock shows 10:55AM Blogtime, Jessica's report came in at 9:45AM to a mob of drooling fans staring bleary eyed into their screens waiting for the update. I guess the pile-up has easily reached 100+ and growing due to being a Sunday.To the facts (another comment has just overtaken me...): Apart from gathering your landleg muscles again, wouldn't you require special glasses to correct your colour vision ? I mean with all those shades of blue, white, grey and pink for the next months (no more reds on beautiful sunsets) where can you train the retina on brown, green, orange... (Anybody knows of an internet program for this problem ?)Hey, I just remembered that blogger way back in the Falklands/Malvinas, who reminded you that the Eurofighter was not a Welcome Birdie but a Check-up Scout on who you are. There is some trouble brewing up there about a possible good oil find and the Argies are pestering everybody, who is too friendly to the Brits. As an election is looming in Pommieland HMS York is on the way to show flag. Glad you made it through there without being target practice for either side. And don't worry about them Albatrosses. Whales are the speed humps of the Southern Ocean.Mel

I met a young man yesterday who has started his own business building traditional timber frames for houses, garages etc. He won a scholarship to go off to Wales to study these traditional ways of building. And it is so obvious that he is very content working with wood in this time-honoured and respectful way, that values the innate properties of the trees, rather than just sees wood as something to use for our own ends.

He and you have something very fortunate, and that is you are both able to do what is just right for you and you both have the maturity to know it and value it.

So few people in the world have that privilege as well as the commitment to follow it and make it happen for them. How lucky you are with your parents, and how wonderful you have also put in the hard work.

250 nm - wow - don't blink or you'll miss it as you whizz by!

Thanks for the pics, they're great. Do all your helpers have RDOs, or just Parker?

It is always a joy reading about your adventure and we are tracking you all the way. 250nm to another milestone, Great Job! I can’t wait to read all the press when you reach Sydney Harbor…You remain in our prayersThe Harris Family, Salt Lake City

Good to hear from you, Jessica. I must admit I get impatient in between posts, but don't worry about that...I'm just an impatient person! ;)

I guess it's a mixture of eager curiosity about how you and Ella's (and your motley crew)daily events and an anxiety to learn that everything is okay with you.

You've made many new friends since you've set sail, Jessica!

You certainly are skimming along those waves, my girl (and up and down them as well), and conquering those nautical miles. Go Jess! Go Ella!

Freedom is wind through your hair and the caress of salt spray upon your face!

Watchful birds observe and befriend, keeping you company during the daylight hours; and when the day becomes shrouded in the night cloak of darkness under the constant surveillance of Centaurus, accompanied by the brightest constellation, the Southern Cross, impressive amongst the Milky Way, overseen by a platinum moon you will be - your faithful friends will guide and protect you safely home.

great pics Jessica , I love travelling, my dad who is 86 and i are traveling in our motor home this year to perth, from sydney, so thats pretty big for us, but you are awesome doing what your doing..keep going, !!www.jasonwramsay.blogspot.com if your up for some music, i have my radio shows and my own music there...

I always enjoy your photographs, Jess, probably because of their novelty and technical competence. After all, I am never likely to see that part of the world myself.

It must be sheer heaven to sit, steering your boat, and feeling the wind and the spume in your face. How wonderful must that be!

Enjoy your trip, lass. When you get home we will be relieved that you conquered the world safely but you will be overwhelmed by organizations trying to make a buck. Look out for traffic as you cross the street because you can be sure that little things within civilization will drive you nuts.

Jesse, I like the first pic a lot. It proves how well organized you keep the deck... Take the best of rest possible.. By reading Jesse Martin's log, he went for some rough weather once in the Southern Indian ocean..Oh yes, now In also understand why your home team is keeping your "exact" location somewhat approximately. I follow each day and recheck the weather conditions for that part of the ocean.. Godspeed..

I am so happy for you. You're really are sailing along now. It is so exciting reading your description of what it is like to be surfing along the ocean waves. It's so good to hear you talk about your love of being out there, and that you always take greatest pleasure in the small things in life, like seeing those birds, watching the waves, and enjoying all the colors of nature's ever changing canvass. It’s the small things in life that have the biggest impact, that’s for sure. I love the pictures. You really give us all a visual and a description of what it is like to go on this journey with you. Thank you so much for that. Your book will be the #1 top seller that's for sure. Well, looks like you'll be passing under The Cape of Good Hope very soon, that is amazing, You Go Girl!

Thanks Jessica for the recent update. It was to long between post and I worried about you. Are you back into the Albatros yet? Have you done anymore fishing since your bird encounter? You can almost see home once you pass the cape. Keep it up.cheers, Cascade Head Jack

You must be flying along with only 250nm's to your next milestone. It looks like you are having a blast out there, I always worry when we don't hear from you but I am ever so happy when I find a new post....Enjoy every second my god you totally deserve it.Stay safe & happy sailing....

Jessica. In the spirit of the Olympics, you deserve a gold medal in perseverence and attitude. Good thing you're still being entertained by nature's gifts of waves and birds cuz there's a heck of a lot of not much else out there;-)Continued safe sailing.Arnie in Canada

Hey Jesse,Missed commenting on your last post, i got caught up reading everyones comments and forgot to post one myself. So i am posting first reading later Lol.Rosie and I love it when you post photo's. Rosie has some exciting news her little dog pebbles had three puppies last week, she is very excited.Anyway glad to see you and EPL are flying along.Stay safe and hooked on, you'll be home in no time.Tim and RosieCaboolture

Here's a fun one. This link to the the latest electronic version of the San Francisco Bay Area sailing rag - Latitude 38. Scroll to the bottom of the page to the article "Why wait till 16 to circumnavigate?"

A MESSAGE FOR ALL OF US FOLLOWING JESSE'S JOURNEYIn a couple of months this is going to come to an end. I don't know about the rest of you, but it is going to leave a little gap in my life. It might be an idea for us to think about how we are going to manage that when the time comes to let go of Jessica as she continues on her wonderful adventure through life. Because let go we must.

Maybe a project, something we've always wanted to do but never got started. Maybe a little ceremony to mark the closing of this chapter of all our lives. Maybe a big family / neighbourhood barby to toast Jessica's great achievement (you see, I have no doubt that she will achieve! - and in fact she already has, regardless of the ultimate outcome).

But whatever it is, perhaps it is time to start thinking about that transition so that we don't find ourselves a little lost or, pardon the pun, at sea, when Jessica finally sails into Sydney Harbour.

Hi Jesse, thanks for the latest picture! What a way to spend a Sunday, it looks heavenly out there!! I'm so glad you have good weather and are able to spend time on deck. Keep up the great work Jesse. Take care 'til next time.JoSydney

Your update is a nice surprise today. Pics are great and you really are making good progress now.

You are certainly in full control of everything going on around you. You really are an inspiration. I arrived home from Singapore last night and early this morning I have had to wash cars and mow the lawns. At least once I finished all that I can come in side an air conditioned house and relax. You on the otherhand have no rest or time off. You love what you are doing and that is all you need, the love and the desire. I am full of admiration!!!!

I am in a competition with a group of caravan mates on picking the date you will sail through the heads. Most have gone for varying dates in May but I have picked 28th April. Do you have any inside goss that might help me?...sssshhhhhh...:)

Hopefully, no more of "them Dollydroms" for a while! I doubt there will be much of them in the Southern Ocean.

@Carol in Fla., You haven't lived till you've put a teaspoon of Vegemite in your mouth and swished it around with your tongue! That's how I got initiated by an Aussie "mate".

@ Sally, For your Banana Chip list: I used to teach new aviators to eat a banana for breakfast just in case they got airsick. I suppose banana chips would do just as well for sea sickness. "Taste the same coming up as they do going down".

@ PWB, ya got me pegged mate!

Jesse, I think we are all concerned about that bloody heater of yours. What has been done if anything to fix that problem? You should not have to freeze your buns off when the sailing is smooth enough to use it. Don't think I'd want it running in that stuff you got into in the South Atlantic however. I am sure there is something very basic that is keeping it from lighting. Air in the line, clogged filter, DC power supply? What say your team and or the manufacturer??

Yesterday, I was moved to tears when the Aussie flag was flanked on both sides by "Old Glory" in awarding another Gold medal to Australia, when Tora Bright won gold for her outstanding performance on her snow board.

To put that in perspective for my American compatriots, consider that Australia is geographically, approximately, the size of the USA. Yet the population here is only slightly more than the state of New York. When you consider the number of medals won by Australia's sons and daughters in both the Olympics and Commonwealth games, you must salute Australia for her outstanding achievements not to mention her sacrifices and contributions to the fight for freedom around the world.

Hi Silver Girl, what a legendyou are. I could smell the ocean in those last pics, and feel the wind in my hair. Thanks for posting them. May the fair winds continue. Let us know when you see your next albie (albatross to you), the fishermen hereabouts (Pacific East Coast) call them Albies.....

Jess Our all encompassing worllllllld rounding wonder U, chomping at the bit, Ellas Pink Lady, next major milestone just days away, just like to express profound respect regards one tough gutsy good spirited sea godess. yo

WooooHooo Jesse!! Thanks for sharing those beautiful pics with us, as you always do! You and EPL are chewing up the miles to the other Cape much to the excitement of us, and other huge Jesse'aholics!! Please take best care. The candle is lit. Fair winds alwaysLove and prayers, Kim & BillWyoming, USA

pic #1 is your best ever jesse (next to all those of you of course hehe). what fun you are having.. you're not really going to stop at sidney ru? you could be the first to do laps around the world. oh wait it's your b'day may 18th and your mum will have a nutella cake with pringles frosting.. oh well. carry on.. ~fumes

You are so right about never getting tired of watching the waves and birds. When I look at the picture showing the bow of Ella’s Pink Lady I can almost feel her surfing down the waves. It’s a mesmerizing feeling as the boat almost gets into a rhythm with the swells. There’s no feeling like it. You don’t know how well you communicate that to all of us. It always makes the day a little brighter when we hear from you.

You are soft hearted aren’t you, Jess. First you give the scallywags a day of leisure in the sun and then you give cockeyed Parker the day off. I’m sure they all appreciate what a wonderful captain they have. It just seems amazing that you are already about to pass under the cape and enter the next ocean. I have the Tim Tams ready for the celebration.

WHAT GREAT PHOTOS!JESSE.It is always a pleasure to see your photographs. The favourable wind is really getting you close to the Cape. You are flying along nicely.Parker has given you splendid service and it is time that he is getting a short holiday .Look forward to your blog telling all of us that you have passed Cape of Good Hope. You should arrive back in Sydney close to my 86th birthday 30th April.Safe and smooth sailing. Best wishes as always.Russ/Calgary

Hi Jessica, my name is Macy Dewitt. I am 9 years old .And live in Michigan. i read your blog all the time! And are sooooooooooooooo close to being home you will be home soooooo soon! i bet your family misses you . And the best of luck NOT to run into any troble this close to home now.The BEST of LUCK Macy R. DeWitt

I've been following you with the greatest expectations since the beginning right from my Kitchen PC, which sits dead on the 45th Lat. North, in E central MN, USA. If I could request one thing, it would be to have you point your video camera across the length of Ella's Pink Lady, looking ahead at the sights and sounds of the sea. I would love to see and hear. I want to be you for just 15 or 30 seconds!

Good evening, Jessica,We have been enjoying your descriptions of your voyage. We especially like the pictures. We marvel at your ability to cope with the loneliness you must be feeling. Don't forget to eat your vegatables!

Hi Jesse, i love it when you post photos that look all grey. I am a sucker for grey skies and seas. Probably not your favourite conditions, but as i say it gives me a thrill. Here's hoping the pace keeps up and the miles keep slipping away as i wish you good winds and safe sailing.jo

Hi Jess, is it true you have a pirate costume, a cutlass, eye patch, and a Jolly Roger flag on board? It's a rumor I heard recently at the Cape of Good Dope (American slang for what's the gossip) :) Ok I"m just kidding, don't send the narcs after me!!!! Arrgg! You rock!

02-21-10 @ 00:17Hi Jessica,Now that’s what I like to read, the fast sailing and only 250nm’s to go to CoGH. You’re doing great, and I’ll bet you’re just giggling up a storm. Ha, ha, ha. I’m surprised that you even noticed that it was wet and drizzly, or does that just add more flavor to it for you????? I’m sure Parker enjoyed the break as long as he knew that he was going to get his job back. And there’s nothing like ‘hands on’ sailing, is there. You will never get the fun of sailing out of your system, you are definitely hooked, big time. I could feel the goose bumps as I was reading that post. I’m glad that you are able to be up on deck (hooked on of course.. lol) to fully enjoy this ride.

Over the span of your voyage you have been averaging 116nm’s per day +/-, so in a couple of days you should be at CoGH. I, just like so many of your faithful fans, really hate to see this quest of yours come to an end, although you still have a ways to go. I’m gonna enjoy this next segment as if it were only the beginning, and savor every Nautical Mile that you travel. I remember how exciting, and how much fun it was for me when you first started out, so I’ll just make believe that you’re starting from CoGH and traveling to Sydney, It’s great to have a wild imagination, LOL… That’s still between 7000 and 8000nm’s. Still a healthy jaunt, with many fun filled experiences to behold. May they all be smooth sailing with some ‘bumpy stuff’ occasionally, just to keep you happy.

@ Bluefin Annie: Always someone to be negative, nicely said Annie.@ SaltyDog: Thanks for the moral support, but I think we’ll just have to wait and see. Nice post on the school kids (you stole my thunder lol..), as long as somebody mentioned it that’s what counts.

Temps here might be in the 40s (F) on Sunday and Monday. Heat wave!!!Maybe summer is coming, ha, ha, ha. When the trees are all green then I’ll believe it. Take care of yourself and the crew and keep your nose in the wind…..You all caught up on your maintenance?????

Always thinking of you, and always proud of you. God Bless You.Loads of love and hugs, your faithful friend, fan and follower.May God be with you and watch over you and may the angels keep your sails full, and I, I will keep you in my prayers.Michael (75) from Kingwood, WV

hello again Jesse, Not far now,maybe 2 days to CoGH. hope the winds stay fare for you and clear sky's so you may see land. Reading some of your old blog's,you make me smile about mangoes. Any left, or did you pig out and scoff then all. None for the crew. Spuds in a tin, not tryed making chips with them, must give it a try. Your comments are so like being in the boat there with you.love the determination you have shown right from day 1. A BIG burp to all the knockers who said you should not do it, bet there all sitting at home red faced and feeling a little stupid. Keep that chin up Jesse keep making us all smile in this sad world it is such a bright light to read you daily blogs You are always in the back of my mind, no matter what I am doing.

Wow – you deserve a wow for your recent progress. Good to hear you are really enjoying surfing the waves, reefed down, and eating nautical miles rapidly. And more importantly you are obviously enjoying hand steering to make the most of the opportunity. Good for you. You are certainly a girl in a hurry now. Enjoy the conditions while they last.

Sounds like you're rock n rollin the time away! Good to know the miles are slipping under the keel - even though as you say there's a sense already that it could all be over too soon. Of course, I dare say there are some twists left in this tale yet - so keep doing what you're doing, because whatever it is, you're doing pretty damn fine actually.cheersMikeCWollongong

You go girl. So many of us Americans excite for the skill and tenacity you are showing to make this circum navigation a total success. Hey stay clipped on when you are outside in 30 knot air. Hey, treat yourself to the goodies - -you'll never have to eat those beans.

Hope the dolphins and albatrosses come back to keep you company. You're getting into the 40s pretty soon, the Southern Ocean beckons, but there are thorns in her personality. Like a couple of 50 knot-plus blows, let alone 8+ meter waves!!. Just be safe; we're all pulling for you. Love and hugs

Hi Jesse - I've just returned from a big weekend in the surf at a spot called Margaret River. Huge swell and I must say without appearing to be bragging I had a big day out - I caught some ripper barrels and Darl I'm stoked.

You too have been rocketing along and I'm so pleased that the wind is holding out for you. You said you are spending time on deck steering but I do hope you are clipped on ever so tightly. We can't afford split-ups at this stage of proceedings and now your nose is homeward bound please control the enthusiasm and ensure safety remains your number one priority.

OK darl keep the head in the right place, clip on, and be satisfied with your daily progress whatever that may be - be HAPPY! Take care precious one, love ya heaps and god bless

Hi JessWe have watched you go north past the cape, for a moment I thought you were coming via the Mediterranean, the Sues Canal and the Red Sea. Now you seem to be going far too south. If you take advice from a landlubber, could I suggest you sail directly west? That is where Australia is.God bless you. We pray for you regularly.

How nice to see your photo's and to hear that you have a great time. Good on you giving Parker a rest. It must be a special feeling for you to do the steering yourself.I dislike to drive a car with an automatically gear box. I think it feels like I am out riding in a tram.We got an awful lot of snow yesterday, and it will be hard work to shovel. The sun us up though and it is -15C.Take care and sail on smiling. Regards,Ingrid, Tyreso, Stockholm

Yahoo, Bula Vinaka, Jessica, terrific progress! Well done!Those pics are great and we can almost feel the breeze. It has been really breezy here today, around 30 knots I think, and I was thinking of you and hoping you were getting a good ride.Looking forward to hearing about the Cape, and the birds will be there to welcome you for sure!! Enjoy, hang on and breathe African air soon!! xxx

So glad to hear that everything is going well. I'm following you on the globe. You are getting so close now. Parker should have no problem steering you home; go around the next corner (Cape of Good Hope) then it's just a straight line before you turn left for Sydney and the tremendous welcome that awaits you.

How's that wretched school work going? Take care, and keep that fuzzy crew under control!

hey Jessica, very nice to read you´re in good coditions and obviously also in a perfekt mood to enjoy every single day of yourjourney. Go on Jesse, live your dream by always stay safe and take care for you both very second.Lots of wishes for fair wind, a bit of sunshine, a lot of sunshine in your heard as well.Thanks for the pic of PINK LADYs foredeck, another detail of the SIB will be realized.All the best so far from the ugly, drizzy, sometimes snowy and all day freezing cold south Germany,yours Marcus

02-21-10 @ 02:51Hi Jessica,Well young lady, you’ve almost sailed across two (2) oceans, and heading for your third, and all the Capes, the excitement of the storm…..WOW, that is fantastic,….don‘t you think,…now Jessica, don‘t you give me that Ho Hum attitude, you are excited too?!?!?!? LOL. I know you are. Looking across the bow of EPL I enjoy how neat and clean it is, uncluttered, a very good sign of good seamanship. You do good work!!!

@ Toni McLean: Definitely a very good point….suggestions, to be honest I’ll need some, I’m gonna be lost.

@Bruce Watt: With my ‘off the wall’ calculations, I also picked April 28th

I enjoyed the pics but I didn’t think the looked drizzly, maybe a little overcast. I know you were there, ok, ok, I do believe you.You know Jessica, hardly a post goes by without someone mentioning that they don’t know what they’ll do after you complete your voyage, myself included. This is the first ‘blog’ that I got involved with, I don’t think another one of this quality will come along for quite some time. All the people were so compatible, and of course we had you as our leader…yes.Oh well, it’s past my bedtime, catcha next time….

Always thinking of you, and always proud of you.Loads of love and hugs, your faithful friend, fan and follower.May God be with you and watch over you and may the angels keep your sails full, and I, I will keep you in my prayers.Michael (75) from Kingwood, WV

That is a very happy EPL flying through the NMs.Sounds like the two of you are having some fun flying along towards the Cape .Thanks for the amazing blue pics...I never get tired of BLUE :0)I sat and watched a beginners yachting class today and know how hard it can be as there were a few bumps and near misses in the Bay today.There were a few wet young sailors at the end of class.Oh well you have to start somewhere.LOL but they will get there if they have your persistence Jesse.

Shows how far you've come and look at you now...What an inspiration to young sailors..Keep up the great progress and safe sailing.TO THE CAPE......>>>>>>>>>>>Sally in Melbourne by the Bumpy (OOOPPPS..sorry) Bay

Hello Jessica - (Beverly here in Tassie) I'M BAAAAACCCK!!! To all my fellow "Jessaholics" THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU all so much for caring and for all the lovely emails wondering what I was up to, or not. To let you all know, because I'm not ashamed of it, I had a relapse into the land of the "Black Dog" as Winston Churchill used to call it. I suffer from major clinical depression and sometimes I slip and fall, but...thanks to all of you guys, I didn't stay down long. I felt guilty for not writing so I had to climb up out of the pit and get back to life. SO...here I am, raring to go and go I will. You can't keep a good wo"man" down. AND JESSICA, I have to whole-heartedly thank you so very much for your blogs. When you first left in Oct 09 I was really, really down. Didn't go out of the house, didn't get out of bed, didn't get dressed. I started following your journey and I said to myself, self, if a 16-yo girl can sail around the world, solo, unassisted, non-stop, you can get your big fat bum out of bed. So I continued reading your blogs - then I started reading every single one of the comments that came up and ALL you people are so absolutely fantastic! Everyone is so positive, up-beat, caring, loving, and every other wonderful words you can think of, that combined with Jessica's blogs really pulled me up out of the mire. I don't have words in my heart to thank you all enough for what you probably didn't even know you were doing. I sometimes wonder how many other people out there have had the same experience but haven't said anything. All I can say is GOD BLESS ALL OF YOU!!! Now, that is out of the way...

Jessica, I really felt good that you were actually sailing your EPL manually, giving Parker the day off. After all, that is what sailing is all about isn't it? And the pics are fantastic! Your ability at photography has improved so much since you first started, gosh, you have endless opportunities for a career when you return.. First thought, sea-going photographer on eco-fact-finding ships. You get your sailing in, photography, and of course, you "could" blog so we could "Blog" back and wouldn't have withdrawals.

@Toni, you are so right about starting to think now about what we are going to do when Jessica crosses the finish line. I haven't thought of anything "yet" but there are so many things that can be done. I have a "to do" list a hundred thousand miles long I could start on. Let's see, I've been watching the figure skating on the Olympics, do you think at 63yo I could start training and become the oldest figure skater at the Olympics. Wonder if they would even let me in the Olympic Village or if they would build a "granny flat" out back for me??

Jessica, you are getting so close to the Cape of GOOD HOPE, like one blogger said, don't blink your eyes or you might miss it. I pray you have good weather like you did when you rounded Cape Horn. The weather in that part of the world can change in the drop of a drop of sea water. Please stay clipped on and always, always keep safety foremost in your mind. Remember God is right there beside you, and the scalleywag crew also, just waiting for you to talk to Him if you have anything on your mind. And His Legions of Angels are surrounding you and EPL and guiding you safely around the Cape of GOOD HOPE and home-ward bound.

Glad to be back and to "see" all of you guys again - Beverly & Andrew Penney (Tasmania)

BEGIN AGAIN IN 2010!!

IF YOU CAN'T SEE THE LIGHT AT THE END OF THE TUNNEL, RUN DOWN THERE AND LIGHT THE BLOODY THING YOURSELF!

Hey Jess, that deck looks far too clean and tidy!!!keep the good work up with all of those checks and double checks as fatigue plays a big part on the rigging at this stage.Great pics thanks.One more cape to tick off your list this week Congratulations and we hope you get some bird life and dolphins to help celebrate.It looks like you will get some good sailing weather this week and maybe even some rain which may well feel like champagne so lap it up because you deserve it. Thinking and praying for you dailyThe Lovells Nelson NZ

Yeah! What Queenslander said. Hang ten Jess but do it from the mast with the remote... Good luck and take care! lol

Proud of you Jess, proud that your an Ausie, even if you are a Kiwi! lol

The only difference between you and a Kiwi is that you know how to fly!

Don't worry about your skinny legs as they are just conditioning to your situation and you have plenty of time to beef up later.

I'm going to buy some banana chips as soon as I see them. Can't imagine they'd be that good but it is the only food that humans can completely live off apparently.

Maybe you could soak them or maybe they're only good for feeding to dolphins and animals. Just don't be too confident as you could still lose all coms... and be washed up on an Island somewhere lost without food. Better to eat banana chips before you have to start eating you're crew as that's always happening. lol. I'd hate you to get fur balls so close to home sweetie.

Funny stuff aside Jess! Stay safe and guard up out there in that area!

Hi Jesse, Thanks for the update and pics. Can't believe you're about to pass the Cape already. Wow, moving right along and hand steering too! Sounds like great fun to me. Your ability to share it with us and make me feel like I'm along with you is really special. I hope you'll write a book one day too. So, enjoy, and I'll be 'watching' you thru the 40s.IndyMike39*50'N, 86*9'W

Thanks for the update. I have some questions. Do you have to sail south of Australia or can you go around the north side? Seems to me it's the same distance and warmer temps if you take the northern route. Maybe you can answer in the blog sometime. Thanks for posting the crew photo. I would keep an eye on that one in the dark glasses. He might be planning to mutiny. LOL. Awesome that you are 4 months in and already at the southern tip of Africa. Will you see land this time? I'm amazed that you don't get bored. I would fall asleep at the tiller. Better that you are doing this and not me. Do you expect to encounter any more storms? How is it crossing the Indian Ocean? Best of luck and smooth sailing to the land down under.

Wow – you deserve a wow for your recent progress. Good to hear you are really enjoying surfing the waves, reefed down, and eating nautical miles rapidly. And more importantly you are obviously enjoying hand steering to make the most of the opportunity. Good for you. You are certainly a girl in a hurry now. Enjoy the conditions while they last.

So nice that you gave Parker some time off …. It is magical when you hand steer if you don’t have to!!

You will soon be passing South of the beautiful Cape of Good Hope – spent many holidays there in my youth! But as long as you stay clear of all the unlit fishing vessels. Just be wary that there are many around… I will be thinking of you.

So nice that you gave Parker some time off …. It is magical when you hand steer if you don’t have to!!

You will soon be passing South of the beautiful Cape of Good Hope – spent many holidays there in my youth! But as long as you stay clear of all the unlit fishing vessels. Just be wary that there are many around… I will be thinking of you ... special girl!

Hi Clint, Yes I actually did recite "DESIDERATA" (Get it right) of by heart. My one and only talent I'm afraid, but it's like knowing the words to a song, once you've memorised it and sing it all the time, it just comes out automatically. Thanks for the virtual pat on the back, mate. :-))Take care and regards...Sam

Nice of you to give Parker a day off and helming EPL yourself. The feeling of catching a wave and riding it for some distance is definitely one of the more pleasurable sensations in small boat sailing and it is very satisfying surfing away from other boats in a yacht race who haven't synergised with the conditions in the same way.

It is clear that you are in complete harmony with your environment and I can visualise you being in demand as a skipper for Sydney/Hobarts and other Ocean races when you have completed your current adventure.

Please keep your beatifully written blogs, pics and the occasional video coming along, they are much appreciated.

I have a world map on my desk and when I see the distances you are covering each day and think about the distances I am planning to cover during my summer holidays I feel very humble. Well, everybody does best as she/he can, I suppose.

Just caught up one week's worth of blog, been on hols at Coolangatta. Looked out to sea at Cooly and thought of you way out on the ocean. (where i live is no ocean)so it made a nice change. Keep up all the good work, you are a litte Aussie Champion. Saint Jessica (not St Mary). Bessen Family, Mypolonga S Aust.

Howdy Jesse.... I'm wondering if you plan to sail past the Cape of Good Hope for a visual or continue on your south easterly heading?...it looks like your heading due south east away and therefore wont in fact see any land....I wonder if that's the plan?....as Richie indicates its probably safer and wiser to give that area a wide berth....

I went back looking at your "Videos"...again!...it was interesting to note in your interview with Panasonic's Steve Rust you were asked about your cameras, you mentioned you had an "FZ-35" and an "FT-1" the FT-1 being the water proof camera, the specifications are very good! but I wonder just how much "wave footage" during a storm you 'could' capture?...and if you'd risk putting the little camera outside during a storm?...but I wonder if you have an external mounting position for the FT-1 because it would be really "cool" to get a few minutes of those Waves you love so much, especially during a storm having EPL as a fixed reference one then would get a feeling for just how much your little boat is rolling and ploughing into the wave fronts, it would make for some outstanding sailing footage....just a thought.

Soooo, apart from that I did laugh at "Susan's" comment about autographing each Banana Chip and auctioning them on eBay, I reckon that would work perfectly!....I dunno, those poor Banana Chips I'm sure they're tasty...aren't they?

And "Sally" here in good old Melb' saying - "101 Ways to use Dried Banana Chips"...just great!

Lovely pictures as always Jess, I've already copied the top pic and enhanced the colours a bit as I felt EPL wasn't Pink enough!...she looks good.

Thanks Peter "PWB"...its something I've been wanting to do for awhile, in fact I purchased a new Printer just for the job...and as you can imagine Jessica has now posted well over a hundred posts going back as far as the 3rd of October so it doesn't take much to fill up a 40 page Spiral bound "display" book!....all of the Blogs went into a Word Document so I could squeeze and fiddled with the text including any pictures into the one page although some blogs were two pages worth....it was fun!

Hey Sam, if you did recite the Descrata from memory you did a bloody good job at it!...I didn't go checking it but as I read it it all sounded spot on, we had that printed out many many years ago and stuck it to the inside of our dunny door, I always love hearing the song sung or I should say "spoken" by Daniel O Donnell back in 1971 I think from a poem written way back in supposedly 1692?...Descrata being Latin for - Desired Things" I believe....nice one Sam.

And to Malaika Crew - what a beautiful ending to your last post by saying that "You might be a long way out there on your own but you have a million people's hearts on that little boat!"....explains it all!

Cheers Jesse....Cape of Good Hope soon in your sights...well maybe?

Actually when are you officially entering the Southern Ocean what Longitude divides the Atlantic to the Southern I wonder?

Cheers again!

Clint - Melbourne - Here be a place for a Town!

P.S. To Toni...I'm all for a global BBQ, but I think you'll find Jessica will still be around for awhile afterwards, I think her little Blog she has here, which is still to be transitioned across to her main Web Site, will still remain "on-line" but that posts will just become less frequent, it'll be just a matter of checking up on Jesse's Web Site from time to time to see what she's been up to, I reckon she'll be quite happy to keep her friends and extended family in the know....I guess its just a matter of "watch this space"

I think you are so visionary. You have clear dreams which you pursue with passion. You see something different in every wave and the flight pattern of every bird (you will carry those memories forever). And you bring to us such clear pictures of your journey with a skill that will help you to write a book that will capture our imagination and help us to feel like we are out there sailing with you on EPL. What a privilege that would be. Can't wait for the book.

I'm organising for some of my students to leave messages for you, but must clear all the red-tape and identifying features. Everytime I try to get your site up in the computer lab it won't load, or my classroom computer freezes or the internet drops out. So frustrating.

I did ask once before....but couldn't find a response....IF anyone knows Jess's land contact address can you please post it. I will get the students to try writing that way as a back up.

Can't believe you're so close to the Cape. Then you'll almost be in eyesight (with very amazing lense) from our Hillarys balcony. At least you'll be in OUR (Perth people's) ocean for a change and that will make this really exciting for my students. Year 1's can't quite work out how you get from the edge of the big map to the other side. Needed a globe to explain the logisitics of that.

Starting our big "When in the world is Jess landing in Sydney Whole school Competition" Closest to the time and date gets a prize.

Looks like your enjoying an exhilarating ride at the mo, it must feel good to be making progress.

Y'know Jesse, the more I read about the Southern Ocean the more I get uneasy about your advent into it. Maybe it's because I'm getting more informed whereas before I was blissfully ignorant. The Southern Ocean sounds like many Cape Horns stretched into one. But hell I'm sure you know that, and can't wait to get your teeth into it.

For anyone else out there wanting to get a snapshot of what sailing along the bottom end could be like, there's an article here http://www.bethandevans.com/pdf/SouthernO.pdf

Ice and the cold sound like they will be an extra challenge. It's all part of the big picture, huh.

Hi Jess,lRight! Nothing beats having a hand on them helm! Looks like you are having a great time frolicking with them waves! Are the birds Albertos? I guess you are not yet south enough for them albertos to come frolicking with you!Great picks from them boat, I love the way it looks rather organised, no superfluous ropes dangling around and stuff.Yes, looks like you're finally surfing the SIO Highway!Keep up them dodgers,Jony the Pony

Hi JessGreat to hera that you are so close to your last major ocean 9apart from the Southern Ocean.It wont be long now till you are on your home stretch. I am sure that you will have some more weather to contend with bu I am also certain that you will handle that with all of the grace and exopertise that you have shown in previous days.

may God continue to give you fair seas and a good wind to bring your home safely in April or maybe blessed.Ron Garvey

I get the feeling you're in "the zone" right now, that the conditions are great and the spirits are high. Surfin along at pace and in total control is what another sailor describes as 'ipod moments' So, turn up the sounds and cruise along to the rhythms of EPL :)

In contrast, Dilip who crossed the Prime Meridian 2days ago is currently battling head winds and will be till he reaches Cape Town, his fourth and final stop before home.

I guess we won't be getting any pics or vids of the Cape as you are well south. Can't wait to see you past this milestone as it signals the most important part of this epic journey..the run home.

Thus, I will raise my glass in honour of this notable achievement, with a diet coke of course, following confirmation of the Captain's message.

Hi JessicaI have followed you every kilometer of your journey and read everyone of your posts - thank you for making this a wonderful story. This is my first (and possibly only) post, but I just wanted to get my 2 cents in before you make it round the Cape & into the Indian Ocean and the Press decides you are newsworthy again. Fair winds and congratulations Jess!

@Toni McLean. I agree for something to come, or to stay, or to become. Clint has good ideas too. There willl be something in Sydney on D-Day, of course, but later? Keeping in touch, organizing events here or there? A website, a blog? Jessica's maybe?

Even on a small boat sailing on the oceans, the darkest tragedies may occur.This is the account of what happened on Ella’s Pink Lady in the years 2009-2010, as thay were told, after the yacht’s arrival in Sydney harbour, by the board’s detective, answering the questions from the NSW Standard.

Q- You were part of the crew, but nobody knew about your real identity?A- Right. I am Sergeant Detective Stuffed Kiwi, from New Zealand Yard.Q- And why, or how, were you brought on to reveal it?A- When the boat became a crime scene.Q- But how was that possible, on a small boat sailing non stop for months?A- Anything is possible in this world.Q- When did you became suspicious?A- Apparently, it all started with the Pringles Drama. The Captain discovered that the bow reserve had been looted, and most of the Pringles stock stolen. As it was one of her main foods, she made a fuss about it and asked me to open an inquiry.Q- How did you start it?A- My prime suspects were the crew members. But it appeared quickly that none of them could be the culprit. Big Ted didn’t like Pringles. Blue Ted was too scary to walk to the bow. Pelican and Platypus were on a fish diet, while Chicken-with-Attitude was pringallergic.Q- Then your enquiry was in a dead end?A- It might have been so, but that’s when I discovered a kind of a rusty spot on the yacht’s deck. The captain tried to have it cleant out, but Teddy couldn’t do it. So I took some samples, and gave them to Professor Platypus for an analysis.Q- And the results were?A- It was a mixture of blood, tomato sauce and squid ink, with feathers’ dust.Q- Oh! A- That gave me the clues I needed. I went in the bow reserve, and found some squid tentacles prints, so everything became clear.Q- I beg your pardon?A- OK, I am going to tell you the whole story. During the first days of the journey, do you remember that the yacht’s deck had been invaded by many small squids?Q- Yes, I do.A- One of them managed to slide inside the bow reserve. Darkness and some damp atmosphere let it survive, and it lived there for months, feeding on Pringles and tomato sauce.Q- But it grew up?A- Precisely, so it could not escape and jump back in the ocean. And when the Captain came to check the reserves, it was hidding behind bags. When she went back in her cabin to alert the crew, she hadn’t locked the door, so it climbed out and crawled on the deck. But it had made a fatal mistake.Q- Which one?A- It had taken a few pringles with tomato sauce. As it was alone on the deck, on an ocean infested by albertos, one of them spotted the Pringle and dived on it, snatching in his beak the squid and the Pringle, letting just a spot of blood, ink and tomato sauce with feather’s dust.After the burglary, there had been a crime. You see that there is no real security, anywhere.Q- The culprit chastized, it had finally not many consequences?A- That’s what YOU think. Ask the crew about the Captain’s moanings! For days, we didn’t stop hearing about the Pringles Drama, the Tomato Sauce Tragedy, the Raise of Crime in the Atlantic, the Dangers of Circumnavigation, and the “3 S”.Q- What is the 3 S ?A- The Solo Sailors Starvation. Q- Would you mean that Captain Watson was exaggerating?A- Somehow, yes. She had a guilt feeling about the burglar squid’s horrible death.Q- But why?A- Because if many seabirds were flying around us, it is because she had started distributing them chocolate biscuits some days earlier.Q- And did she stay grumpy and moaning for long?A- Fortunately not! She just sank in the Nutella jar, and got back to her usual positive attitude!Q- Did she compliment you about your inquiry?A- (blushing and whispering) YesQ- Do you feel well?A- Sorry. You see, she gave me a kiss... Wow! I was over the moon. That's really flying high, especially for a kiwi!

Hi Jessica. You're an inspiration. This is my first visit to your site but I've been following your progress with keen interest. I can't believe the short-sightedness of those who criticise adventurers and solo adventurers in particular. You testing the bounds of human endurance and displaying so many heroic qualities reminds us of our potential as human beings. And each time I catch up with your progress I feel a jolt of vitality and courage, and my life as a nine-to-five public servant and dad with two kids is much richer for it. Thank-you.

Hi Jessica; Good to hear things are going well for you and you are becoming an experienced surfer as well as sailor,cook and fixer of things. Your pictures enlighten and your stories our days brighten. I see another writer used the term mal de mer, and if you don`t know it the word mal means bad and the word mer mean sea, just in case your foreign phrases (Spanish) in that case is not as good as your other abilities.Take care.Regards Niels.

Bricon123: Putting your hand to the tiller is always a blast, feeling the power of the boat and all. Knowing your trimmed out so there's no Weather helm or Lee helm and just cruising...FANTASTIC feeling!With the Froude number better than .4 because your surfing the waves, you should be getting upto 7.5 knots or better right? That beats the 6.5knots that the S&S is rated at. That's flying!! Woo Hoo!Have fun.

Jesse, You have been very fortunate in coming out of the knockdowns so well beneath South America. Just heard of the school ship, 188-foot steel hull Concordia, in a freak microburst downdraft knockdown, capsizing and sinking 300 miles from Brazil, with all 64 students safely rescued after 30 hours in tied-together life rafts.

After such good speed, check your chafe and rust. Be well-prepped and well-fed for your Good Hope rounding. We're sending positive thoughts and prayers--lovewaves--to you for continued safety and joy at sea!

Torah Bright was awesome! Tonight is the celebration of the Holy Day of Hockey--USA and Canada!!! Marco Sturm is our fave, but he is German so he's of no use right now to us Americans, but we wish he was still with the San Jose Sharks with his technical precision. His feet work like a figure skater and his body is all hockey! Go, Pavelski, Stasney and Ryan Miller! Go, Team USA!!!

One thing the Olympics keep showing us is that attention to detail and technique makes winners. Jessica, your photos show how ship-shape you keep EPL and I'm sure it's how you've accomplished so much. You've had good teachers, too, I'm sure.

We love you, Jesse, and hold gratitude to the shore crew. Keep up the good work and get Jesse home safely!

From the Albacore Lia Fail's crew in the very snowy (13" last measure) northern Nevada USA high desert in the shadow of the High Sierras, Patricia, Richard and 12-yr-old John

@Workerbev: So you didn’t think that you would be missed, huh. Well you were very much, SINCERELY, missed. That’s what a close family we all have become. Of course at times we could become a slightly dysfunctional family, but Jessica’s positive attitude is so powerful we can’t stray too far off. Beverly, I can’t imagine that there is a single one of us who hasn’t slipped a little bit towards that pit. But you are one of the few who I’ve known who is strong enough to stand up and recognize it. It’s a lot easier to wind up and give someone else a kick in the butt to get them out of a hole than it is to give ourselves a swift kick. Believe me, I know. It’s been many years ago, but I kicked myself so hard that I might have gone to the other extreme. This is a quote that I’ve posted before, but I really do get a kick out of it and kind of relate to. Author J.D. Salinger said:

"I'm kind of a paranoid in reverse.I suspect people are plotting to make me happy."

So, Bev, we are the ones who should say “thank you” to you for sharing your strength with us. Because of you, there are probably a lot of people giving themselves a kick in the butt today. And next time you feel like you’re slipping towards that pit a little, reach out and grab on to us. With someone like Jessica anchoring us, we can all help each other from slipping. Welcome back, Bev.

Hi jess: 75 year old great grandpaw herefirst time post but have followed your progress for about 3 weeks..I agree with every one how you make us feel like we are right there with you, great pic looking over the bow, not only are you a exellent sailor you have a great sense of making it look like we are there looking over your shoulder. I'm not a sailor but you can't kid me I know why you gave parker some time off he wanted to stay on course and you wanted to deviate a little to top a bigger swell. Know you are having fun, parker can have it back when it get's boring........Right. I'm sure MUM & POP are trying to keep you where should be AND NOT WHERE YOU WANT TO BE..LOL. you are amazing.Stay safe and clip on another line for me, america dosen't want to loose you either!!papaw

Jessica, Beautiful pics, your amazing journey has captured my heart. Excited about the rounding of the nest Cape. All my best to you and Ella's Pink Lady. I imagine you are the talk of the birds you meet!AmyOuter Banks, North Carolina, USA

Bruce Watt reminded me of a traditional onboard competition where the crew guess the boat's finish time. Each guess costs a $1 (or more); you write your guess (date + time) on a piece of paper & drop it in the box... as many guesses as you like.

Psalm 107:23-28 (The Message)Some of you set sail in big ships; you put to sea to do business in faraway ports. Out at sea you saw God in action, saw his breathtaking ways with the ocean: With a word he called up the wind – an ocean storm, towering waves! You shot high in the sky, then the bottom dropped out; your hearts were stuck in your throats. You were spun like a top, you reeled like a drunk, you didn't know which end was up. Then you called out to God in your desperate condition; he got you out in the nick of time.

Hi, Jessica! Good Sunday to you! Reading again in the 107th Psalm, I think that you have certainly "seen God in action, seen His breathtaking ways with the ocean." But in your case, it's "oceans!" I know you have enjoyed spending some quality time hand in hand w/EPL as you surf those nice waves at a good clip. I know that feeling. Really, your hand on that tiller makes a direct connection to that endless sea below you with all its power and majesty, which I hope you will translate to a direct connection to your maker and protector whose awesome power controls it all, even your next breath. What an experience you have been offered. Please call on Him always for your strength and protection.

Today I am again praying for your health and rest as you anticipate that next milestone. I am asking God for continued good and steady progress. Many thanks to you for the great report and the wonderful pics. May EPL and all her good equipment continue to serve you well.

I don't know if you know this, but you can cook certain things with sea water. Anything that has to be boiled or heated up in a package or can, or things like noodles that you pour off the water from, are good things to cook in clean sea water.

Hi Jesse....well once you round Good Hope THEN I'll feel as if you are on the home stretch, getting excited already! Of course I know you still have the Southern Ocean to contend with but I'm confident you can do it....woohoo!!!!!!! Still trying to get to Sydney to see you "come in". xxxxx

Hi,I really enjoy reading your blog every couple of days here in Austria, and I am always relieved when I open it, just to read that you are doing fine.Good luck for every single day wishes youulli from Austria

Hi Jessica,Nice to read that you are doing fine. Still snow and cold weather in south of Sweden. This is the coldest winter for quite a while. Nice picturese and as ususally interesting to read the news from you. Wishing you good luck and best wishes.Bo South Sweden